How you care for your tattoo will make a huge impact on how well it heals and looks in the future. 

Bandages:

• Leave on the second skin bandage for at least 24 hours and up to 5 days. The bandage often fills up with blood/ink. If it starts to leak or peel off to the point that the tattoo is exposed, just take it off and clean it with non-scented soap and water. Do not re-bandage. 

Cleaning:

• Once bandage is removed, gently clean your tattoo using non-scented soap. 
• Do NOT soak your tattoo, no baths or swimming for at least 2 weeks. Showering is fine.
• Dab with a clean towel or paper towel to dry to ensure no bacteria gets in it. 
• You must treat your new tattoo like an open wound for the first 3-4 days. That it when it is the most prone to infection. Wear clean loose clothing, clean bed sheets, etc. Avoid wool or other scratchy material.
• Sweat can also build up in the bandage and cause infection. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week.

Moisturizing and General Care:

• Moisturize your tattoo after the tattoo starts to feel dry and tight. That could be anywhere from 2-5 days. Recommended moisturizers are non-scented lotion (any brand) or specialized tattoo balm. (Tattoo Goo available for sale in studio). Stay away from Vaseline, anything too oily, or too thick. Do NOT use scented moisturizers. 
• Do NOT pick or scratch your fresh tattoo. It will scab/flake, don’t peel off the flaked skin, you will risk pulling up the ink. 
• Your tattoo will become itchy at a certain point in the healing process, instead of scratching it, slap it or scratch around it. 
• Don’t over moisturize your tattoo, once or twice a day is often enough. 
• Keep your new tattoo out of the sun for at least two weeks, and no tanning booths. 
• It takes anywhere to 3 to 4 weeks for your tattoo to completely heal.